ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Quakenbrück's Empty Pool: A Childhood Ode to Lost Communal Bathing

other · 2026-08-27

Timo Feldhaus's recent essay for Der Freitag reflects on Quakenbrück's empty outdoor pool in Lower Saxony, which features three basins, a five-meter diving tower, and a beach volleyball court. Despite ideal conditions, attendance has plummeted even on sunny days, highlighting a decline in communal bathing culture. Feldhaus, who visited the pool during a family trip via e-bike, also notes the ongoing issues with pool operations in Berlin. The pool's indoor area, recently renovated, remains open when temperatures fall below 25 degrees Celsius. The article can be found on freitag.de as part of the latest issue.

Key facts

  • Timo Feldhaus wrote an essay for Der Freitag about the empty outdoor pool in Quakenbrück, Lower Saxony.
  • The pool has three basins, a modernist five-meter diving tower, and a beach volleyball court.
  • Despite perfect conditions, attendance has dropped dramatically, even on sunny days.
  • Feldhaus visited the pool during a stay with his parents, traveling by e-bike.
  • The essay reflects on the loss of communal bathing culture.
  • Berlin's pool operations are also mentioned as being plagued by terrible debates.
  • The pool's indoor area is open when temperatures are below 25 degrees Celsius and has been recently renovated.
  • The article was published on freitag.de and is part of the current issue.

Entities

Artists

  • Timo Feldhaus

Institutions

  • Der Freitag

Locations

  • Quakenbrück
  • Germany
  • Lower Saxony
  • Berlin

Sources